Six months wait time for TSMC 7nm node

DigiTimes reports demand for TSMC's 7nm node is outstripping supply so much that the process now has a lead time of six months. The tight supply is expected to last throughout 2020 and could even get worse in the second half of the year. In particular, DigiTimes heard Intel may place orders for some of TSMC's 7nm capacity.

TSMC 7nm lead time remains extended, with Intel reportedly looking to place orders: TSMC 7nm process lead time remains at about six months, with tight supply expected to last through 2020, or even worsened in the second half of the year if speculation about Intel possibly seeking to place orders for the Taiwanese foundry's advanced processes materializes, according to industry sources.

TSMC start mass production of 5nm chips in the first half of this year, but that capacity is largely booked by Apple for its smartphone chips. Yields of TSMC's N5 5nm node are reportedly very good.